State Champions look to defend their title in 2013

By Kelsie Hoitomt

GLENWOOD CITY — Fresh off a Division 7 State Championship, the Glenwood City football team looks to defend their title through 42 individuals who have filled the roster this season.

The 2013 team is headed by 15 seniors, all of which were a part of the team that stood on the field at Camp Randall Stadium last fall.

 Nick Mrdutt returns at the quarterback position after finishing last fall with 700 passing yards and 500 of his own rushing yards.

Also returning as seniors are the Hilltoppers’ top running backs from 2012, Isaac Tuttle who had an astounding 1,700 yards rushing and Jeff Kopacz who had not only 900 yards rushing, but 330 yards receiving as well.

“Our offensive line led us to nearly 5,000 yards and 70 touchdowns a year ago. If we continue to improve, I believe they will be a great story later in the year because of their lack of size. They are tough kids with a great devotion to one another,” shared head coach, Shane Strong.

The Hilltoppers finished third in the Dunn-St.Croix Conference last season with a 4-2 record.  Their two conference losses to Mondovi and Elk Mound were the only ones of the season as the team dominated in the second half of each playoff game, which resulted in an overall record of 11-2.

“If we stay healthy we feel we can compete with anyone on our schedule. We have great leadership in our senior class from last years state championship team. Depth will be an issue for us in our conference, but we have an expectation here to compete for a conference title,” said Strong.

According to Strong, a few teams looking to be tough competition in the conference are Mondovi, Elk Mound and St. Croix Central considering they not only have solid senior classes, but large numbers as well.

Strong will head the team on the field for his fifth year now with assistance from coaches Tom Carlson, Chuckie DeSmith, Randy Peterson and Jon Mrdutt.

The Toppers play their first game of the 2013 season this Friday, August 23 in Ladysmith with kickoff at 7:00 p.m.

2013 Roster

Seniors: Jordan Hill, Jeff Kopacz, Charles Shackett, Damian Multhauf, Jacob Carlson, Donovan Fornal, Isaac Tuttle, Richard Croes, Skylar Peterson, Nick Mrdutt, Hunter Chouinard, Brennan Kessler, Richard Ross, Ray Arons, Blayze Wood

Juniors: Marcus Kadinger, Todd Petersen, Jacob Hierlmeier, Billy Norenberg, Logan Smith, Christian Smith, Tyler Woodruff, Troy Hall

Sophomores: Nathan Mrdutt, Nick Schone, Lucas Myer, Joel Ormson, Hogan Chouinard, Mitch Hurtgen, Damian Hoitomt, Arial Arons, Paul Anderson

Freshman: Zack Abt, Tony Melstrom, Nik Jensen, Jake O’Meara, Allen Croes, Marcus Ullom, Jake Logghe, Joe Obermueller, Jake Wittmer, Spencer Peterson